IWSG #23 – Coping With Withdrawal

This post was written for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group where we share our encouragement or insecurities on the first Wednesday of the month, to join the group or find out more clickhere.

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I was given more than ample warning that my book was coming off the eshelves. Yet when the day came, my heart broke. My insecurity has blossomed into a huge thumb and I’m under it.

Before the thumb came down, I had a plan. I lined up a graphic artist and another proofreader. I was so positive that I kept telling myself this was only a bump in the publishing road and I’d be back promoting the ebook in no time.

And I still believe it–kind of.

Let this be a warning to all. Micropublishers are a great way to enter the industry. Their expectation are a little lower so we little guys have a hope in hell. They are just as professional and strive for producing a good product.

But the little fish go first in a big pond, and from what I’m reading a constant percentage are disappearing each year. So to make our bones we may be forced to self-publish or find another publisher willing to accept previously published work.

I wasn’t prepared for White Light disappearing completely, and because I needed to make a new cover best for all my blog stoppers and reviewers to delete their posts or replace the cover art with this one.

That said, I’m pushing on, and waiting on a final proofread. Then its on to KDP and Draft2Digital to get it back out there. Thanks everyone for being there for me, for offering suggestions, and kicking my butt.

78 responses to “IWSG #23 – Coping With Withdrawal”

I’m sorry you’re feeling so worried, but I really do think you have a solid plan. Also, I LOVE your new cover–way better than the old one! Plus, having more editing done will only improve your story, so you’re relaunch is going to rock. It’s okay to feel down when something tough happens. Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start taking steps toward your new launch. It’s going to be amazing.

I love your new cover!
Even though you had a plan in action, it’s totally understandable that you would grieve for the loss of your first book. Even if it’s a temporary loss or more of a transition, you are still seeing something you poured your heart into go up in smoke. BUT the phoenix comes back even brighter and better, right?

I like the new cover, maybe more than the old. I think once you’ve gotten through the self-pub once, it’ll be easier the next time. I self-pub a lot of books and find it predictable, fairly simple if not time-consuming.

It will be back in the world soon. It’s so heartbreaking to see small publishers go under. Not just for the authors, but for the industry, because if all that remains is the Big Five, we’re in trouble.

I had no idea Anna and I am so sorry to hear about the sudden change. If I can help, please let me know. I do love the new cover and especially the swirly white font. I love your energy and enthusiasm too!

Oh my gosh, Anna! I’ve been so out of the loop this year. I’m sorry to hear what happened! But I know you’ll do great from now on out. You’re a hard working talented writer and your book deserves to be out there. Good plan and I love the new cover! Keep the optimism coming!!! ❤

I like your new cover. I agree with another poster. The universe has plans for you, I read hard times fall on us because there is a better place for us in the future. We get stuck in ruts, or stagnate, or get too comfortable, or don’t see the next step, so the universe steps in. Something bigger and better coming your way. LOL, look at this way this is your time to be the heroine in your own story, Ms. Protagonist.

Even though you know your book is going to get back out there, the shock of having this happen to your book had to have been devastating, at least initially. Just roll with the changes and everything will work out again.

When my first publisher quit, it took a year to have my rights returned and some scrambling to get my books out there again. Major set back, but I learned so much and I’m grateful that I had to do all of that work. I wasn’t so grateful during the process, so I understand.

Yikes!! I’ve been hearing and seeing the awful news about small pubs going under and its a shame. I love your new cover and it’s great that you’re handling everything perfectly. I wish you great luck!!!! When the time comes, I’d be happy to have you on my blog.

Great cover, Anna! Keep your chin up and don’t give up on your goal. This is just one bump on the road to success. It’s difficult and painful, but you’ll be better for it. As someone said, where there’s no struggle there’s no strength.

Sorry for your frustration. I think, though, that in the end, it will be an even better product. I like the new cover. I’ll change it on my post. I was thinking about your story just the other day, so many elements that I liked about it. You’re doing great. You need to put yourself out there to experience any success. This is just a bump in the road.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Mary at Play off the Page

I have to agree that seeing your book come off the shelves can be heartbreaking, but it is just a bump in the road. With all the self-publishing options that are out there, your book will be back up in no time. That’s one of the main reasons I went the self-pub route — so I wouldn’t have to worry about publishers going under. I like having the control, and once you’ve done it the first time, it gets easier. I know you can do it and be successful with it. Keep going and don’t give up!